The Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif has been reported for a suspect bowling action following his match-winning performance in Monday’s third one-day international against Zimbabwe in Harare.
The 30-year-old, playing only his second ODI after making his debut two days earlier, took five wickets for 25 and then contributed 38 as an opener to help Pakistan cruise to a seven-wicket win for a 2-1 series victory.
However, match officials cited concerns about the legality of Asif’s bowling action in their report, the International Cricket Council said in a statement on Tuesday. “He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and during this period, Bilal is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known,” it added.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have recalled the all-rounder Shoaib Malik from the Test wilderness, adding him as the 16th member to their squad for the three-match series against England starting in the United Arab Emirates this month.
The 33-year-old former Pakistan captain, who last played a Test in August 2010, has been rewarded for his strong form in the limited-overs matches in Zimbabwe, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. “Following [the team manager] Intikhab Alam’s request, I spoke with my fellow selectors and there was unanimity over retaining Malik keeping in mind his current batting form and the off-spin bowling option that could be handy in the all-important forthcoming Test series against England,” said the chief selector, Haroon Rashid said.
Malik has played 32 Tests for Pakistan, scoring two hundreds and eight 50s as well as taking 21 wickets. He remained unbeaten during the last two matches of the three-ODI series in Zimbabwe with a top score of 96 not out. He also took four wickets.
The first Test between Pakistan and England starts in Abu Dhabi on 13 October, with the last two matches starting in Dubai on 22 October and Sharjah on 1 November.
